Portuguese crème brûlée is one of those classic desserts that looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to make at home. This easy crème brûlée recipe combines a smooth, creamy custard with the delicious contrast of a caramelized sugar topping.
This crème brûlée version is made with simple ingredients, including milk, egg yolks, sugar, lemon peel, and cinnamon. The lemon peel and cinnamon stick add a subtle Portuguese touch to the classic French dessert, while cornstarch helps create a thick and creamy texture.
The best part is the contrast between the silky custard underneath and the caramelized sugar on top. Serve it chilled and caramelize the sugar just before serving for the best texture. It's a simple dessert that's perfect for dinners, holidays, or whenever you're craving something rich and comforting.
Creamy desserts to serve after dinner or at any party, regardless of the time of year: Orange Pudding (Easy No-Bake Dessert), Creamy Chocolate Mousse, and Creamy Rice Pudding (Arroz Doce). Three simple and delicious desserts with smooth and creamy textures that are sure to delight everyone from the very first bite.
What Is Crème Brûlée?
Crème brûlée is a classic French custard dessert made with a creamy egg-based custard and a thin layer of caramelized sugar on top. The sugar is caramelized with a kitchen torch or crème brûlée iron, creating a golden, crispy topping that contrasts with the smooth custard underneath.
While many modern recipes use heavy cream, this Portuguese crème brûlée version uses milk and is flavored with lemon peel and cinnamon. The result is a lighter custard with a delicate citrus and cinnamon aroma.
Why You'll Love This Dessert
Easy to make - A simple custard recipe with straightforward preparation.
Simple ingredients - Made with everyday ingredients such as milk, eggs, sugar, lemon, and cinnamon.
Creamy and smooth - Egg yolks and cornstarch create a rich and creamy texture.
Perfect contrast - The creamy custard is topped with a crisp layer of caramelized sugar.
Make-ahead dessert - The custard can be prepared ahead of time and chilled until you're ready to caramelize the sugar.
Perfect for special occasions - An elegant and easy dessert, ideal for a family dinner.
Ingredients for Portuguese Crème Brûlée
Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this recipe:
- Milk - Forms the creamy base of the custard and provides a smooth and delicate texture.
- Lemon peel - Infuses the custard with a fresh and subtle citrus aroma that balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar - Sweetens the custard and adds richness and flavor.
- Egg yolks - Give the custard its rich, creamy texture, golden color, and characteristic flavor.
- Cornstarch - Helps thicken the custard and gives it a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Cinnamon stick - Adds a warm and aromatic spice flavor that complements the lemon and custard.
- Cold milk to dissolve the cornstarch - Helps create a smooth cornstarch mixture and prevents lumps when added to the custard.
- Sugar for dusting - Creates the thin, crisp caramelized topping that gives crème brûlée its characteristic finish.
Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this recipe.
How to Make Portuguese Crème Brûlée
Step 1: Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the cinnamon stick and lemon peel.
Bring to a boil over medium heat. As soon as it starts boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the milk cool for about 5 minutes. Remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick.
Step 2: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the flour with 50 ml (1/4 cup) of milk until smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and flour dissolved in the milk.
Gradually add the mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent the egg yolks from curdling.
Step 4: Return the saucepan to the stove and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, pour the cream into individual serving bowls, and let cool completely.
Step 5: Sprinkle evenly with sugar, then caramelize the top using a crème brûlée iron until golden.
Tips for Portuguese Crème Brûlée
• Use whole milk for a creamier texture. Lower-fat milk can produce a thinner custard.
• Infuse the milk properly - Let the lemon peel and cinnamon gently flavor the milk as it heats. Don't boil it aggressively.
• Add the milk gradually - Stir constantly when combining the warm milk with the egg yolks and sugar to create a smooth custard.
• Cook over low heat - Avoid high heat, which can cause the eggs to scramble or the custard to become lumpy.
• Stir constantly while thickening - This helps prevent the custard from sticking to the bottom of the pan and creates a smoother consistency.
• Cool the custard completely - Let the crème brûlée cool before refrigerating. The custard will continue to set as it chills.
• Caramelize the sugar just before serving - This keeps the topping crisp rather than soft.
FAQs
Can I make crème brûlée without heavy cream?
Yes. This recipe uses milk instead of heavy cream. The egg yolks and cornstarch help create a creamy, thick custard while keeping the recipe relatively simple.
Why is my crème brûlée too runny?
The custard may not have cooked long enough to thicken properly. Make sure you cook it gently over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
Can I make crème brûlée ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the custard, divide it between serving bowls, and refrigerate it until completely chilled. Caramelize the sugar immediately before serving.
How long does homemade crème brûlée last in the refrigerator?
Cover crème brûlée and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. For the best texture, caramelize the sugar shortly before serving.
Do I need a kitchen torch or iron to make crème brûlée?
A crème brûlée iron or torch is the easiest way to caramelize the sugar. If you don't have one, you can carefully use the grill function on your oven, although you'll need to keep and eye on the dessert to prevent it from burning.
What does crème brûlée taste like?
Crème brûlée has a rich, sweet custard flavor, with a smooth, creamy texture and a caramelized sugar topping.
You May Also Like
- Farófias (Portuguese Floating Islands)
- Easy pineapple pudding
- Easy Portuguese baked custard (Tigelada)
- Baba de camelo (Camel drool dessert)
- Portuguese flan
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Portuguese Crème Brûlée
Portuguese crème brûlée is one of those classic desserts that looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to make at home. This easy crème brûlée recipe combines a smooth, creamy custard with the delicious contrast of a caramelized sugar topping.
- 500 ml (about 2 cups) whole milk
- 1 lemon peel
- 200 grams (about 1 cup) granulated sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) cold milk to dissolve the cornstarch
- Sugar for dusting
- Pour the milk into a saucepan and add the cinnamon stick and lemon peel. Bring to a boil over medium heat. As soon as it starts boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the milk cool for about 5 minutes. Remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the flour with 50 ml (1/4 cup) of milk until smooth and lump-free.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and flour dissolved in the milk. Gradually add the mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent the egg yolks from curdling.
- Return the saucepan to the stove and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, pour the cream into individual serving bowls, and let cool completely.
- Sprinkle evenly with sugar, then caramelize the top using a crème brûlée iron until golden.
